In this video we take a look into the Woodland Stream Ecosphere (also known as the parasite ecosphere). It has been 2 years since this ecospheres creation and life still persists inside.

Three different producers grow within the ecosphere. Terrestrial moss survives submerged under water alongside a plant known as Littorella uniflora. Both plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis. The final producer within this ecosphere is the Cyanobacteria. It forms bacterial mats along the substrate. Like the plants it can also photosynthesize.

Animals such as Ostracods have become quite rare within this ecosphere. I'm not entirely sure what caused their decline, but I wonder if the Cyanobacteria is outcompeting algae within the ecosystem I think a reduction in algae would definitely cause a reduction in Ostracods.

Worms are also present within this ecosphere however they are also rare. They are the primary prey species within the ecosystem and as a result are seldom seen. It was great to witness one venturing above ground so i could film it.

Vorticella (which I had previously thought to be a parasite) hitchhiked into this ecosphere on the amphipods. The Vorticella had attached itself to the Amphipods face and backs in the wild. Within the ecosphere environment however they moved to colonizing the leaves of the plant littorella uniflora instead.

Amphipods are the the largest species within this ecosphere. Their population is constantly fluctuating within a boom and bust cycle. The Amphipods are scavengers, which will feed on moss and decaying plant matter. They are also predatory and hunt for worms within the ecosphere. When the opportunity arises they will even engage in cannibalism.

I can't believe it's already been 2 years since I first created this ecosphere. Time really does fly...

Watch this ecospheres journey here:    • Creating a Woodland Stream Ecosphere ...